Technology Showcase: Automation Solutions

PLC Boiler Controls 

Clayton Compusteam PLC Control Systems are standard on all modulating models of the company’s boilers. They are available in three basic levels (I, II & III) with various options for expanding system capabilities. Compatible with Modbus, Ethernet/IP and Bacnet protocols, these PLC controls increase system reliability by making operating parameters readily available. PLC interface capability also improves communications between the steam-generator controls and total plant monitoring systems, and enhances control for multiple-unit installations. 

Clayton Industries
City of Industry, CA

Power, Safety Features Added To Next-Gen Automation System 

Foxboro Evo is a new, next-generation process automation system from Invensys that features advanced tools and applications delivered across a high-speed, fault-tolerant, cyber-secure hardware platform. A leading supplier of state-of-the-art industrial software, systems and control equipment, Invensys has integrated the new system with its Triconex safety system, which is designed to improve operational insight and integrity.

The Foxboro Evo system can undergo major upgrades without halting operations. According to Invensys, because users can upgrade at their own pace, Foxboro Evo delivers the lowest total cost of automation and highest return on assets, compared with other systems. Its new applications also enable plant personnel to contribute toward the success of the business by streamlining and contextualizing the information they need to make the right business decisions at the right time.

Invensys
Sharon, MA

Make Asset Health More Predictable 

The recently released update to Meridium Asset Performance Management (APM) software (v3.5.1) is designed to help users improve efficiency while reducing risk. Enhancements include new work-process dashboards for the end-to-end management of performance-improvement opportunities, as well as expanded monitoring policies that address process excursions and enhanced integration capabilities that enable machine-to-machine communications. It also includes a new analytical model that lets users visualize the impact performing an inspection has on an asset’s risk ranking. This functionality is expected to improve efficiency by optimizing inspection intervals.

Dashboards in the new v3.5.1 are mapped to each of the five Meridium APM Work Processes: APM Foundation, Failure Elimination, Asset Strategy, Mechanical Integrity and Asset Safety. Key measurements are displayed in an easy-to-use format for rapid information delivery across a wide range of computing platforms and mobile devices. This functionality allows users to have a 360-degree view of critical assets and their associated goals to increase equipment availability.

Meridium® Inc.
Roanoke, VA

Advanced Packaging-Line Integration 

New packaging-line integration technology from Rockwell Automation called RAPID Line Integration uses Packaging Machine Language (PackML) to enable easier linkage between machinery across an entire packaging operation. This allows plant managers to monitor machines in a connected and standardized format, giving them visibility into the throughput of each machine and a centralized view of overall line performance. Because packaging machines often are acquired from different OEMs, intermachine communication can be complex. RAPID is designed to simplify communication, as well as reduce startup time and integration costs.

RAPID does this by using a flexible approach to integrating packaging machines and lines by allowing a single location to set up, control and analyze the performance of an entire line. Users benefit from a configurable solution that provides instantaneous overall equipment effectiveness (OEE) reports and actionable error reporting. Unlike legacy systems that require lines to be stopped for each changeover, line-integration systems also allow operators to make seamless changes.

Rockwell Automation
Milwaukee, WI